
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid (if equipped)
Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide for scheduled intervals for
fluid checks and changes. Your transaxle does not consume fluid.
However, the fluid level should be checked if the transaxle is not working
properly, i.e., if the transaxle slips or shifts slowly or if you notice some
sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is warmed up
(approximately 30 km [20 miles]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic
during hot weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be
turned off for about 30 minutes to allow fluid to cool before
checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 30 km (20 miles) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag. If
necessary, refer toIdentifying components in the engine compartment
in this chapter for the location of the dipstick.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be in
the crosshatch zone for normal operating temperature.
Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is at the bottom of the dipstick
and the outside temperatures are
above 10ÉC (50ÉF).
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperatures 66ÉC-77ÉC (150ÉF-170ÉF) on a level surface. The normal
Maintenance and Specifications
254

Checking and adding manual transmission fluid (if equipped)
1. Clean the filler plug.
2. Remove the filler plug and
inspect the fluid level.
3. Fluid level should be at bottom of
the opening.
4. Add enough fluid through the filler opening so that the fluid level is at
the bottom of the opening.
5. Install and tighten the fill plug securely.
Use only fluid that meets Ford specifications. Refer to theRefill
capacitiesin this chapter.
CLUTCH FLUID (IF EQUIPPED)
The clutch master cylinder and
brake master cylinder are part of
the same system; both are refillable
through the brake master cylinder
with brake fluid. For more
information on brake fluid
maintenance, refer toBrake fluidin
this chapter.
Brake fluid is toxic. If brake fluid contacts the eyes, flush eyes
with running water for 15 minutes. Seek medical if irritation
persists. If taken internally, drink water and induce vomiting. Seek
medical attention immediately.
AIR FILTER MAINTENANCE
Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for the appropriate intervals
for changing the air filter element.
Maintenance and Specifications
256

Make sure that all replacement tires are of the same size, type,
load-carrying capacity and tread design (e.g., ªAll Terrainº,
ªTouringº, etc.), as originally offered by Ford.
Do not replace your tires with ªhigh performanceº tires or larger
size tires.
Failure to follow these precautions may adversely affect the
handling of the vehicle and make it easier for the driver to lose
control and roll over.
Tires that are larger or smaller than your vehicle's original tires may also
affect the accuracy of your speedometer.
USING SNOW TIRES AND TRACTION DEVICES
Snow tires must be the same size and grade as the tires you
currently have on your vehicle.
The tires on your vehicle have all-weather treads to provide traction in
rain and snow. However, in some climates, using snow tires or traction
devices may be necessary.
Follow these guidelines when using snow tires and traction devices:
²SAE class ªSº cable should be used only on front axle for P235/70R16
tires. With P225/70R15 and P215/70R16 tires, SAE class ªSº cables can
be used on both the front and rear wheels.
²Install cables or chains securely, verifying that the cables or chains do
not touch any wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.
²Drive cautiously. If you hear the cables or chains rub or bang against
the vehicle, stop and retighten them. If this does not work, remove the
cables or chains to prevent vehicle damage.
²Avoid overloading your vehicle.
²Remove the cables or chains when they are no longer needed.
²Do not use cables or chains on dry roads.
²Do not exceed 48 km/h (30 mph) with tire cables or chains on your
vehicle.
Maintenance and Specifications
261

Consult your dealer for information on other Ford approved methods of
traction control.
MOTORCRAFT PART NUMBERS
Component 2.0L DOHC I4
Zetec engine3.0L DOHC V6 Duratec
engine
Air filter element
1FA-1683 FA-1683
Fuel filter FG-800-A FG-800-A
Battery BXT-96R BXT-40R
Oil filter FL-400S FL-820-S
PCV valve EV-224 EV-243
Spark plugs*
2AZFS-32FE3AGSF-32W
1Failure to use the correct air filter element may result in severe engine
damage. The customer warranty may be voided for any damage to the
engine if the correct air filter element is not used.
2Refer to Vehicle Emissions Control Information (VECI) decal for spark
plug gap information.
3If a spark plug is to be removed for inspection, it must be reinstalled in
the same cylinder. If a spark plug needs to be replaced, use only spark
plugs with the service part number suffix letter as shown on the engine
decal.
REFILL CAPACITIES
Fluid Ford Part
NameApplication Capacity
Brake fluid Motorcraft High
Performance
DOT 3 Motor
Vehicle Brake
FluidAll Fill to line on
reservoir
Engine oil
(including filter
change)Motorcraft SAE
5W-20 Super
Premium Motor
Oil2.0L I4 Zetec
engine4.25L
(4.5 quarts)
3.0L V6 Duratec
engine5.2L
(5.5 quarts)
Maintenance and Specifications
262

LUBRICANT SPECIFICATIONS
Item Ford Part
Name or
equivalentFord Part
NumberFord
Specification
Body hinges,
latches, door
striker plates
and rollers, seat
tracks, fuel filler
door hinge and
spring, primary
and auxiliary
hood latchesMulti-Purpose
GreaseXG-4 or
F5AZ-19G209-AAESB-M1C93-B or
ESR-M1C159-A
Hydraulic clutch
fluid and brake
fluidMotorcraft High
Performance
DOT 3 Motor
Vehicle Brake
FluidPM-1 ESA-M6C25-A
and DOT 3
Halfshaft CV
jointsMotorcraft
Premium Long
Life GreaseXG-1-C or
XG-1-T or
XG-1-KESA-M1C75-B
Engine coolant
1Motorcraft
Premium Engine
Coolant
(green-colored)VC-4±A (US) or
CXC-10
(Canada)ESE-M97B44-A
Motorcraft
Premium Gold
Engine Coolant
(yellow-colored)VC-7±A WSS-M97B51-A1
Engine oil Motorcraft SAE
5W-20 Super
Premium Motor
OilXO-5W20-QSP WSS-M2C153-H
with API
Certification
Mark
Manual
transaxle
2Motorcraft SAE
75W-90 Gear OilF32Z-19C547±MA WSS-M2C203-A1
Maintenance and Specifications
265

1. World manufacturer identifier
2. Brake type and gross vehicle
weight rating (GVWR)
3. Vehicle line, series, body type
4. Engine type
5. Check digit
6. Model year
7. Assembly plant
8. Production sequence number
Engine number
The engine number (the last eight numbers of the vehicle identification
number) is stamped on the engine block, transmission and frame.
Maintenance and Specifications
270

A
ABS (see Brakes) .....................159
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ........................136±137, 141
and child safety seats ............139
description ......................137, 141
disposal ....................................144
driver air bag ..................139, 142
indicator light ...........12, 141, 143
operation .........................139, 142
passenger air bag ...........139, 142
side air bag ..............................141
Air cleaner filter .......256±257, 262
Air conditioning
manual heating and air
conditioning system .................63
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................169
Ambulance packages ....................7
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................237
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................159
Anti-theft system ......................111
arming the system ..................111
disarming a triggered
system .....................................112
warning light .............................14
Audio system (see Radio) ...25, 46
Automatic transaxle .................163
driving with .............................166
fluid, adding ............................254
fluid, checking ........................254
Automatic transmission
fluid, refill capacities ..............262
fluid, specification ..................267Auxiliary power point .................83
Axle
lubricant specifications ..265, 267
refill capacities ........................262
B
Battery .......................................235
acid, treating emergencies .....235
charging system
warning light .............................12
jumping a disabled battery ....200
maintenance-free ....................235
replacement, specifications ...262
servicing ..................................235
BeltMinder .................................132
Brakes ........................................158
anti-lock ...................................159
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light .........12, 160
brake warning light ..................11
fluid, checking and adding ....253
fluid, refill capacities ..............262
fluid, specifications .........265, 267
lubricant specifications ..265, 267
parking ....................................160
shift interlock ..........................163
Break-in period .............................5
Bulbs ............................................73
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....262
Cargo cover .................................91
Cargo net .....................................91
CD-single .....................................18
CD-single premium .....................25
Certification Label ....................269
Index
274

GVWR (Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating) ..........................178
calculating .......................178, 180
definition .................................178
driving with a heavy load ......178
location ....................................178
H
Hazard flashers .........................187
Head restraints .........................115
Headlamps ...................................68
aiming ........................................70
bulb specifications ....................73
daytime running lights .............68
flash to pass ..............................69
high beam ...........................13, 69
replacing bulbs .........................74
turning on and off ....................68
warning chime ..........................15
Heating
heater only system ...................62
heating and air conditioning
system .......................................63
Hood ..........................................227
I
Ignition ...............................154, 267
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .............145±146
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................251
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................222
cluster ................................10, 223
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................69J
Jack ............................................195
positioning ...............................195
storage .....................................195
Jump-starting your vehicle ......200
K
Keys ...................................107±109
key in ignition chime ...............15
positions of the ignition .........154
L
Lamps
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................73
cargo lamps ...............................69
daytime running light ...............68
fog lamps ...................................68
headlamps .................................68
headlamps, flash to pass ..........69
instrument panel, dimming .....69
interior lamps ...............71±72, 74
replacing bulbs ...................73±77
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................71
Liftgate ........................................90
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
air bag ........................................12
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ....12, 160
anti-theft ...................................14
brake ..........................................11
charging system ........................12
cruise indicator .........................13
door ajar ....................................13
fuel cap light .............................14
high beam .................................13
low coolant ................................14
Index
277